The Eiffel Tower awaits you. A family member is prepping her pull-out couch in Australia. You're the only one who can close that business deal in Tokyo. Whatever the reason for your international flight, missing the plane could be disastrous -- not to mention extremely pricey. Getting to the airport with plenty of time to spare keeps your stress level low and leaves you plenty of chances to browse the latest tabloids.

Timing Your Arrival

The general rule of thumb, according to many airlines, is that passengers traveling internationally should arrive at the airport no less than three hours before the flight is scheduled to depart. Some carriers recommend a smaller window or have different recommendations depending on whether travelers are flying out of or into the United States. For instance, American Airlines suggests international travelers check in at least two hours before departure, though the company urges passengers departing from some places -- like Paris, Dublin and any city in Canada -- to arrive at least three hours early. A customer service representative for your airline can tell you the carrier's recommendation for your departure city.

Considerations

Some factors will affect the length of your check-in process. The time of day, time of year and day of the week can affect the length of the lines to check in and go through security. Your airport might be able to give you an estimate about the wait time you'll experience, but in general, early morning, midday, late afternoon and evening tend to be the busiest times in an airport, and weekends and holiday weeks are busy, too. Your luggage is a consideration as well. Don't assume that because you're flying out of a quiet airport during non-peak travel times that you can breeze in 20 minutes before the flight. You might be able to check in and get through security within 10 minutes, but your suitcase's journey to your plane might take a bit longer, leaving you stranded in an international location without a change of clothes.

Steps That Take Time

You have more to do before an international flight than you might a domestic one. If you're flying out of a mammoth airport, just getting from security to your gate could require a long walk or a shuttle ride. When you're flying home from a foreign city, consider the language barrier; if you're not a speaker of the local language, you might need a few extra minutes to seek out an English-speaking employee to help you navigate the building. With some extra time, you can also exchange your cash for foreign currency and make last-minute calls before you have to worry about paying international calling charges. Arriving at the airport three hours early gives you plenty of time to accomplish all these steps -- and grab a bite to eat.

Tips for International Travel

Even with a healthy cushion of three hours' lead time, you won't make it to the plane if you're not prepared for your flight. For one thing, each passenger has to have a valid passport; ideally, you'll check it before booking your flight, since the document needs to be valid at least through your planned return trip. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's Regulations for International Travel by U.S. Citizens, available at cbp.gov, and contact your destination country's consulate for rules about entering the country; for instance, some countries won't allow you to bring in certain prescription medications. When you're sure you've taken care of the big details, pack an international charger for your electronics, plenty of reading material and spare battery cameras, then be on your way.

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About the Author

Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.